Mental
Illness Awareness Week, 1988, offers all Americans a welcome and much-needed
chance to expand their knowledge about the nature, causes, and treatments of
mental illness and to grow in understanding concerning those afflicted; their
families; and appropriate attitudes toward, and assistance for, victims of
mental illness. This is an opportunity we surely should utilize, because it can
do much good throughout our land.

The
20th century has seen more and more recognition of the role of disease
processes in mental disorders. This message has reached millions, but pockets
of misinformation, prejudice, and misunderstanding remain. Everyone should be
aware that research has discovered many genetic, biochemical, and environmental
causes of mental dysfunction. Further, changes in medicine and technology are
taking place so rapidly that many citizens have not yet heard of vital recent
advances that allow health professionals to diagnose and treat many forms of
mental illness with increasing effectiveness.

We
have also learned that people can take purposeful steps toward improving the
lives of their loved ones, friends, and fellow citizens who are affected by
mental illness -- and that many of the burdens experienced by family members as
they care for the mentally ill should and can be shared by the wider community.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week and all year long, we can recall and be
thankful for our continuing progress into diagnosis, treatment, assistance, and
understanding for all those of every age and condition who cannot reach their
potential or lead independent, fulfilling lives because of mental illness. Let us
also resolve to put into practice, as individuals and in private and community
efforts, all that we have learned and achieved regarding ways to help,
encourage, and befriend mentally ill Americans and their families.

The
Congress, by Public Law 100 - 390, has designated the week of October 2 through
October 8, 1988, as ``Mental Illness Awareness Week'' and authorized and
requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 2
through October 8, 1988, as Mental Illness
Awareness Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this week
with ceremonies and activities that will enhance the well-being of our Nation
by increasing knowledge and understanding about mental illnesses and their
treatments.

In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of September,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and
thirteenth.

Ronald
Reagan

[Filed with the Office
of the Federal Register, 4:05 p.m., September 15, 1988]